Welcome to the Arnedo lab!

Our research focuses on understanding the factors and mechanisms that generate and shape biological diversity, within a phylogenetic framework. The study of ecological and evolutionary dynamics at the population/species interface is a major research theme in our lab.

We combine morphological analysis with molecular tools, and focus on spiders and other arthropods as model systems to elucidate Biodiversity patterns and processes. We are actively involved in the use of genomic tools for evolutionary studies and ecosystem research, such as DNA barcoding techniques for biodiversity assessment.

Our lab has coordinated the of the organization of the 2nd edition of the Iberian Systematic Biologist biannual meeting. We have hosted 90 fellow systematists that presented 30 oral contributions and as many posters. Especially remarkable, given the current state of affairs of Iberian science was that grad students made up half of the participants. During these three days we have enjoyed inspiring plenary lectures, exciting talks and insightful posters and had plenty of time for discussion and social interaction. These meetings play a key role in enhancing our sense of community and represent an excellent opportunity to introduce young researcher to the field and overcome the organismic barriers that have traditionally hampered communication among systematic biologists. We look forward to meet you all again in Vitoria/Gasteiz in 2016!

27th European Congress of Arachnology, Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 2-7, 2012

Excellent and productive week in beautiful Ljubljana. Vera presented an ongoing research on the origins and phylogenetic relationships of European mygalomorphs of the family Ctenizidae and Miquel contributed to the Barcoding symposium with a talks on the integration of semi-quantive inventories and barcoding tools to investigate evolutionary and biogeographic patterns at the community level. Thanks to Matjaz and all the friends at the EZlab for a terrific time in Slovenia

XIII Workshop of the Iberian Arachnology Group and I Iberian Arachnological Bioblitz, Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de La Garrotxa, June 20- July 2, 2012

This XIII workshop of the Iberian Arachnological Group is co-organized by the Univeristat de Barcelona (Miquel Arnedo) and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (José Antonio Barrientos). For the first time, the workshop will host an arachnological bioblitz, which will use a semi-quiatitative sampling design to compare the arachnological fauna of Oak and Beech forests

Leticia's research work showing that the diversification of the spider genus Parachtes was drove by the formation of the western mediterranean basin has been featured in several science news websites and publications

This first meeting of the Iberian systematists has been a major success, both in terms of number of participants, more than 150, and quality of presentations. In addition, students presented most contributions, which guarantees the future of the discipline in this part of the world! The organization was simply perfect. Leticia, who was awarded as one of the best students presentations, and Eli represented our lab. Miquel gave a plenary lecture on the renaissance of taxonomy. We were so enthusiastic with the congress than we volunteer to organize the next meeting...Barcelona 2014!

Work conducted in the lab as part of an international collaborative research leaded by Dimitar Dimitrov (ZMUC, Denmark) and Gustavo Hormiga (GWU, USA) on the orgin and diversification of the spider's orb webs has been featured in several science news websites and publications:

Joint Ph.D. position available at the labs of Julio Rozas and Miquel Arnedo (DEADLINE CLOSED, POSITION ASSIGNED)

A joint Ph.D. position is available at the labs of Julio Rozas and Miquel Arnedo to work on comparative genomics and phylogenetics of spiders. The PhD student will be involved in a research project that will use pyrosequencing approaches to study the evolution of the chemosensory system of spiders and to discover and develop new markers for spider phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies. We seek a highly motivated student with a degrre in biology or natural sciences and basic knowledge on phylogenetic methods, molecular biology and programming languages. Applicants should preferably have a Master's degree in natural science. Potential candidates should contact Miquel A. Arnedo
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or Julio Rozas
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, including a CV and a statement of research interests